Z.T. Soyoye's Blog, page 2

An Animation for The Unwanted

console.debug('TRINITY_WP', 'Skip player from rendering', 'is single: , is main loop: 1, is main query: 1');console.debug('TRINITY_WP', 'trinity_content_filter');

This is a book trailer for my novel, The Unwanted by Z.T.Soyoye. It’s a video to announce the Hardcover version of the book is now available! Be sure to like, comment and share! Grab a Hardcover copy on Amazon today!

The first book in a brand-new series filled with mystery and intrigue.

A thrilling young adult adventure with gripping characters and a fascinating story.

Follow a determined young man as he tries to push past his limits, fears and self-doubt to overcome every obstacle.

Will his intuition, persistence and compassion be enough?

SYNOPSIS

Let the Lightning Engulf you.

15-year-old Alexander Charon embarks on his journey at a new school as he struggles to form bonds and relationships with those around him. He begins to unravel his hidden talents, forcing his life to take an unexpected turn as he witnesses the murder and kidnapping of his friends.

He must use his newly found skills to solve mysteries and protect those he cares for before it’s too late. Can Alex rise up as he attempts to persevere against adversities? Or will he fall into despair as hope dwindles with each new obstacle?

Fans of Rick Riordan, J.K. Rowling and Cassandra Clare will be captivated by this thrilling new series.

I’ve been working on this video for months now so I’m super excited to finally share it with all of you. A lot of talented people worked together to help make this video possible and I can’t thank them enough. Tell me if you would like a part 2!

Book ��� Click Here

Twitter ��� Click Here

Instagram ��� Click Here

Website/Blog ��� Click Here

VOICE ACTING

Llama77 ��� Click Here

ART

Kuya ��� Click Here

COLOURING

Names: Martin and Fae

ANIMATIONS/EFFECTS

Editor 1 ��� Alex

Editor 2 ��� Shiraiyuki Zuki ��� Click Here

MUSIC

‘The Travelling Symphony’ ��� @Savfk

Hey if you’re reading this, thanks for checking out my post. What did you think of the animation? If you’re interested check out the book! It’s something I’m really proud of and spent many years working on. Let me know if I should keep making videos like this.

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events. Thanks again for reading and have a nice day!!!

The post An Animation for The Unwanted appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

Percy Jackson (Honest Book Blurb #1)

This is the first post in a new series called Honest Book Blurb. This first post is on Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief. It is inspired by Honest Movie Trailers from Screen Junkies on Youtube. Taking a satirical approach to rewriting the blurbs of books I enjoy. Any jokes are just in good fun and not meant to offend anyone. These will be Blurbs that tell you the TRUTH about your favourite books: Honest Book Blurbs.

Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief

From Rick Riordan, the king of amazing opening chapters comes Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, for the kids who aren’t already obsessed with Harry Potter. Percy is a normal kid, but he can’t seem to stop finding trouble wherever he goes. He has relatable struggles like dyslexia, ADHD and his teachers turning into monsters and trying to kill him.

When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he must go to the one place he’ll be safe, Camp Half-Blood. Where he is almost instantly attacked by a hellhound and sent out. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, no it’s nothing like Hogwarts apart from the secret entrance, kids being placed in different Cabins and training to learn to control powers. Okay, so it’s similar to Hogwarts. But It’s a summer camp for demigods, where he learns that the father he never knew is a god. Don’t know anything about Greek Mythology? You will once you finish this book or be prepared to constantly flip to the glossary filled with names so difficult to read you’ll feel as dyslectic as Percy.

Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one funny and the other his superior in every way (It is definitely not Harry Potter)- Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to help the dad he never knew by reaching the gates of the Underworld and preventing a catastrophic war between the gods.

He encounters all sorts of creatures that he defeats thanks to his sword Riptide which is also a pen! Having every child who reads it nervously or excitedly clicking their pen. Join Percy Jackson on his journey as he fights legendary figures such as Medusa and Ares. Wait how old is he again? 12 years old?! Okay… if you say so.

For those who dare to read this story, you’ll be sure to enjoy his adventure. His name is Percy Jackson, The Half-Blood Prince. No, it’s really not Harry Potter.

Half boy, Half god, All Wizard.

I hoped you enjoyed this post. It’s a bit different from my usual content but I thought it would be a fun idea. Percy Jackson is one of my favourite book series and I think everyone should give it a try. I remember reading the first line and being instantly engrossed. I couldn’t put it down for days.

Let me know if I should keep making posts like this. Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

The post Percy Jackson (Honest Book Blurb #1) appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

The Beauty of Books

Stories are amazing. They impact us in ways we never expect. Whether it’s a subtle theme we adopt into our everyday lives or as a great way to connect to like-minded people. Stories have always been an incredible way to share experiences and ideas. A good story can make days seem like hours and hours seem like minutes. One of the best mediums to tell a story is via books. Books are an amazing way to digest a story whether it is an audiobook, eBook or paperback. Many people choose books to bring a story to life because they value the beauty of books. They can elevate the reader’s experience of a story to a whole new level.

Why Books?

It allows the writer to deliver a powerful narrative with limitless creativity. Books can articulate a journey for the reader and have a scene play in their minds allowing for almost unmatched immersion. Unable to rely on visual storytelling or audio cues, books cannot engage the five basic senses. Only with words as their guide, books must hold the reader’s attention and provide a worthwhile experience. Some might see this as a disadvantage, not offering the readers enough to keep their attention, on the contrary, it allows all the time and effort to be put into crafting an enticing story. Without the worry of finding competent actors or having dynamic camera work, books are purely story-driven, leading to some of the most astounding stories told.

Without the use of screens, reading demands the full attention of the reader. It doesn’t give viewers the chance to glance at their phones while reading. If they wish to do so they risk pausing their immersion and diminishing their enjoyment. Imagine a movie that pauses every time you take your eyes off it. To preserve their amusement, readers are fully engaged in the books they read. Taking them momentarily away from all their worldly stress and worry.

“No matter how high the volume on the tv is, books are always louder.” – J. D. Richards

Another beauty of books is it allows the reader to enjoy the story at their own pace. They can take appropriate breaks depending on their environment and attention span without detracting from the entertainment. Furthermore, the end of a chapter offers the incentive of a natural pause to the reader. This entices the reader to properly experience the story to its fullest.

Every mind is unique allowing each reader’s experience to differ depending on their background and preferences. From a character’s appearance to the look of a setting, the same book can impact readers in numerous ways or even the same reader differently when rereading. Features are subtly described, leaving most of the details up for interpretation. This gives the reader the freedom to fill in the blanks with their own ideal view.

The satisfying process of making a scene come to life in your own mind is like no other. This allows writers to fully utilize the reader’s imagination and make stories that couldn’t exist in any other medium. No need for CGI or expensive practical effects, just words.

The Story Beyond The Pages

Books themselves have character. They can follow the owner wherever they go so have the added benefit of telling a story of where they’ve been. Every cut, smudge and stain is a physical reminder of the owner’s experience while reading. Books allow us to keep a memento of the story we read and every glance brings back those feelings. Having a collection of books is a profound feeling that illustrates the owner’s interests to viewers. From the way they arranged to the genre of each book, they portray the personality of the owner and the story beyond the pages. This is the beauty of books.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I have always loved stories and books are a wonderful medium to experience them. Personally, I love each medium for different reasons but I wanted to talk about books today. So I have a question for the hardcore readers out there. Why do you choose to read books over movies, tv shows or other mediums? What about reading offers a unique experience over the other mediums for you? What about reading gives you the passion for books?

Let me know if I should keep making posts like this. Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

The post The Beauty of Books appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

Should You Listen to Music While Reading?

Music plays such a large role in the content we consume, from movies to TV shows. It has the ability to draw out emotions for listeners, elevating their experience. The slow piano plays when a character is going through a hard time. The fast-paced electric guitar kicks up during an action scene. All these serve to complement the content for the viewer and the same can be said for readers.

Reading While Listening

There is a preconceived notion that reading should be done in a silent tranquil environment, that music acts only as a distraction. That it will only drown out the words of the story in your mind. But, it can be argued, music does the opposite. It drowns out the chattering in my mind and has the power to shift the mood to fit the scene being read. Shielding from unsettling silence, music keeps me focused on the scene being read.

It is an entrancing feeling when reading to the rhythm and tempo of a song. The melody of the song allowing you to zone out and focus on the story being told. It also serves as a noise cancellation tool to block out the shuffling and racket of a loud environment. A serene environment to read can be difficult to find, but music can be used to obscure the noise and still allow for reading. This is a valuable skill that allows for reading in almost any situation.

When reading it is easy to involuntarily become oblivious to your surroundings and the events happening around you. It is understandable to think music will ruin this experience and make it hard to concentrate on the book. But, music serves to further immerse you in the story. With the right selection, the music will elevate the story to new heights. It is not about ‘listening’ to the music per se, it is about adhering to the beat of the song and being absorbed into the scene.

What kind of Music?

Personally, I listen to some chill lofi songs or background soundtracks of movies and series. This tends to compliment the story while providing some white noise to cover up unwanted environmental sounds. The lack of lyrics means I don’t start singing along and creates a relaxed atmosphere. Movie scores tend to have a strong connection for me. It is linked to the emotions felt during the movie. Hearing those songs allows for an interesting mental link to the book being read. This positive connection can hit the “feels” and improve the reading experience.

Non-lyrical music like jazz and classical music works well when reading. It doesn’t tend to break my concentration when reading. Its calming instrumentals soothes me, enabling the right mindset to read to be achieved. More distracting noises can be ignored due to the music.

Should you listen to music while reading?

Music is a fascinating tool. It can bring back the memories of the feeling that the music holds as a scene is read. This association with a feeling can raise the reading experience. To read while listening to music is an acquired skill that might prove helpful in numerous situations. But it is not necessary. It depends on the individual and the condition to which they are used to. If you find silence to be more serene than unsettling, then listening to music while reading might not be for you. But for those who can, it can be so entrancing that you forget that you are listening to music at all. The perfect blend of the music to the scene can be euphoric.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if I should keep making posts like this. Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what kind?

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

The post Should You Listen to Music While Reading? appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

Why I listen to Music while Reading

Music plays such a large role in the content we consume, from movies to TV shows. It has the ability to draw out emotions for listeners, elevating their experience. The slow piano plays when a character is going through a hard time. The fast-paced electric guitar kicks up during an action scene. All these serve to complement the content for the viewer and the same can be said for readers.

Reading While Listening

There is a preconceived notion that reading should be done is a silent tranquil environment, that music acts only as a distraction. That it will only drown out the words of the story in your mind. But, it can be argued, music does the opposite. It drowns out the chattering in my mind and has the power to shift the mood to fit the scene being read. Shielding from unsettling silence, music keeps me focused on the scene being read.

It is an entrancing feeling when reading to the rhythm and tempo of a song. The melody of the song allowing you to zone out and focus on the story being told. It also serves as a noise cancellation tool to block out the shuffling and racket of a loud environment. A serene environment to read can be difficult to find, but music can be used to obscure the noise and still allow for reading. This is a valuable skill that allows for reading in almost any situation.

When reading it is easy to involuntarily become oblivious to your surroundings and the events happening around you. It is understandable to think music will ruin this experience and make it hard to concentrate on the book. But, music serves to further immerse you in the story. With the right selection, the music will elevate the story to new heights. It is not about ‘listening’ to the music per se, it is about adhering to the beat of the song and being absorbed into the scene.

What kind of Music?

Personally, I listen to some chill lofi songs or background soundtracks of movies and series. This tends to compliment the story while providing some white noise to cover up unwanted environmental sounds. The lack of lyrics means I don’t start singing along and creates a relaxed atmosphere. Movie scores tend to have a strong connection for me. It is linked to the emotions felt during the movie. Hearing those songs allows for an interesting mental link to the book being read. This positive connection can hit the “feels” and improve the reading experience.

Non-lyrical music like jazz and classical music works well when reading. It doesn’t tend to break my concentration when reading. Its calming instrumentals soothes me, enabling the right mindset to read to be achieved. More distracting noises can be ignored due to the music.

Should you listen to music while reading?

Music is a fascinating tool. It can bring back the memories of the feeling that the music holds as a scene is read. This association with a feeling can raise the reading experience. To read while listening to music is an acquired skill that might prove helpful in numerous situations. But it is not necessary. It depends on the individual and the condition to which they are used to. If you find silence to be more serene than unsettling, then listening to music while reading might not be for you. But for those who can, it can be so entrancing that you forget that you are listening to music at all. The perfect blend of the music to the scene can be euphoric.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if I should keep making posts like this. Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what kind?

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

The post Why I listen to Music while Reading appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

Should you watch WandaVision?

The first marvel TV show after the monumental blockbuster movie that was Endgame. Endgame brought the end to a 10-year-old “Infinity Saga”. It was the peak of the franchise to fans, giving a satisfying conclusion to the storyline. But after a peak, a trough is bound to come. Or so are the thoughts of many followers. Thus, fans who grew up with the saga are understandably hesitant about the start of a new one. Long time admirers don’t want to see the franchise drawn out for a cash grab. This lead to some refusing to watch Wandavision, cementing the memories of their beloved movies. With pressure from fans and critics alike, WandaVision was able to not only meet but exceed expectations.

The Hype

Upon release, Wandavision has managed to trend all over social media. Each week, a new episode releases to the intrigue and fascinations of fans who flock to discuss it. It has received critical acclaim and continues to surprise everyone with its engaging storyline. To onlookers, it almost seems too good to be true. It may be written off as “marvel fanboys” overhyping a mediocre series. But I suggest having an open mind. Although I too was hesitant, I gave Wandavision a shot and to my surprise, it surpassed my expectations. I was ready to label it a simple cash-grab series but week by week, it continued to prove that label wrong.

I highly suggest giving WandaVision a try. It is not only an excellent series but hints at a wider plot that I can’t wait to see unravel. It is a great follow up to the “Infinity Saga”.

The Gimmick

Those who have seen the trailer know the gimmick of WandaVision. The referencing and callbacks to older sitcoms through the decades. Long time fans know the characters and also know that this is not the usual Marvel style. It is clear before it begins there would be an underlying plot. The creators of WandaVision know this and don’t waste too much time in clueing viewers in on it. The keen-eyed viewers will notice many references to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) we are all familiar with. They not only serve as head nods to the audience but also hint as to what might be happening to cause this situation.

I enjoyed the gimmick. Some people began enjoying the show once the gimmick was practically over, but I found it entertaining. I never watched those older sitcoms but I still found the episodes referencing them quite fun and creative. Of course, some of them fell flat but overall it was engaging enough to keep you going. For those who believe this gimmick sounds uninteresting, good news, it only lasts for three episodes. The real plot starts to unravel soon after, greatly improving the show. So at least give it five episodes and if it doesn’t grab your attention then maybe it isn’t for you.

I tried my best not to hint at what to expect when watching the show, as I think everyone should experience it for themselves. Your mileage may vary but for the vast majority of people, I believe WandaVision at least deserves a chance to prove itself. You can stream WandaVision now on Disney+.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if I should keep making posts like this. Have you seen WandaVision? What did you think?

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

The post Should you watch WandaVision? appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

What Will I Be Reading?

There are so many amazing books out there that it can be overwhelming to choose what I’m going to read. I enjoy Fantasy, Sci-fi and Mystery books but these are broad categories with so many books to choose from. Luckily with the help of some recommendations, I’ve been able to narrow down the list (Thank you to Iasmina Edina on Youtube and Ellie of ReadtoRamble Blog).

Most of the books were on my Goodreads Want to Read shelf. I will read these novels in 2021. The list contains books and sequels in series I started long ago but I have not gotten around to yet. I have purchased most of these novels and look forward to checking them out and giving you my thoughts.

Wish me luck, this might a WHILE. Let���s see how many I can finish if any!

Shadow of the Fox

by Julie Kagawa

Enter a beautiful and perilous land of shapeshifters and samurai, kami and legends, humans and demons���a world in which Japanese mythology and imagination blend together

When destiny calls, legends rise.

Every millennium the missing pieces of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers are hunted, for they hold the power to call the great Kami Dragon from the sea and ask for anyone wish.

As a temple burns to the ground Yumeko escapes with its greatest treasure ��� the first piece of the scroll. And when fate thrusts her into the path of a mysterious samurai she knows he seeks what she has. Kage is under order to kill those who stand in his way but will he be able to complete his mission? Will this be the dawn that sees the dragon wake?

Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Marie Lu, Cassandra Clare will be captivated by this enchanting new series.

Buy Now (US)Buy Now (UK)Goodreads

The Blood of Olympus

by Rick Riordan

Nico had warned them. Going through the House of Hades would stir the demigods’ worst memories. Their ghosts would become restless. Nico may actually become a ghost if he has to shadow-travel with Reyna and Coach Hedge one more time. But that might be better than the alternative: allowing someone else to die, as Hades foretold.

Jason’s ghost is his mother, who abandoned him when he was little. He may not know how he is going to prove himself as a leader, but he does know that he will not break promises like she did. He will complete his line of the prophecy: To storm or fire the world must fall.

Reyna fears the ghosts of her ancestors, who radiate anger. But she can’t allow them to distract her from getting the Athena Parthenos to Camp Half-Blood before war breaks out between the Romans and Greeks. Will she have enough strength to succeed, especially with a deadly hunter on her trail?

Leo fears that his plan won’t work, that his friends might interfere. But there is no other way. All of them know that one of the Seven has to die in order to defeat Gaea, the Earth Mother.

Piper must learn to give herself over to fear. Only then will she be able to do her part at the end: utter a single word.

Heroes, gods, and monsters all have a role to play in the climactic fulfillment of the prophecy in The Blood of Olympus, the electrifying finale of the best-selling Heroes of Olympus series.

Buy Now (US)Buy Now (UK)Goodreads

Archangel One

by Evan Currie

An elite squadron must go undercover behind enemy lines in this thrilling new space adventure from the author of the Odyssey One series.

Humanity has reached an uneasy truce with the Empire���but unless the allies bring the fight to the enemy, extinction is all but assured. In preparation for the inevitable next war, Commander Stephen Michaels is at the helm of the Archangel Squadron, and his orders are simple: go rogue.

Disguised as mercenaries, Commander Michaels and the Archangels seek valuable intelligence on their imposing foe. Their mission takes them deep into uncharted territory, where they make inroads with the Empire, fiercely guarding their true identities and purpose. Fighting for the enemy goes against everything they stand for, but these are desperate times.

As their deception increases, so does the risk. With the Empire���s deadliest secrets within reach, Commander Michaels and the Archangels accept a mission that will take them even deeper into the Imperial fold. They know all too well that one wrong step won���t just end their lives���it could end their entire civilization.

Buy Now (US)Buy Now (UK)Goodreads

The Murderer’s Son

by Joy Ellis

A BLOODY KILLER SEEMS TO HAVE RETURNED TO THE LINCOLNSHIRE FENS

A gripping crime thriller by the best-selling author of the Nikki Galena series.

Twenty years ago: a farmer and his wife are cut to pieces by a ruthless serial killer.

Now: a woman is viciously stabbed to death in the upmarket kitchen of her beautiful house on the edge of the marshes.

Then a man called Daniel Kinder walks into Saltern police station and confesses to the murder.

But DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans of the Fenland police soon discover that there is a lot more to Daniel than meets the eye. He has no memory of the first five years of his life and is obsessed with who his real mother is.

With no evidence to hold him, Jackman and Evans are forced to let him go, and in a matter of days the lonely Lincolnshire Fens become the stage for more killings and Daniel has disappeared.

In a breathtaking finale, the truth about Daniel���s mother comes to light and DI Jackman and DS Evans race against time to stop more lives being destroyed.

Buy Now (US)Buy Now (UK)Goodreads

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

by Kwame Mbalia

Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he���s going to spend on his grandparents��� farm in Alabama, where he���s being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie���s journal. Tristan chases after it ��� is that a doll? ��� and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature���s hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world. Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left black American gods John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?

Buy Now (US)Buy Now (UK)Goodreads

Amari and the Night Brothers

by B.B. Alston

Quinton Peters was the golden boy of the Rosewood low-income housing projects, receiving full scholarship offers to two different Ivy League schools. When he mysteriously goes missing, his little sister, 13-year-old Amari Peters, can���t understand why it���s not a bigger deal. Why isn���t his story all over the news? And why do the police automatically assume he was into something illegal?

Then Amari discovers a ticking briefcase in her brother���s old closet. A briefcase meant for her eyes only. There was far more to Quinton, it seems, than she ever knew. He���s left her a nomination for a summer tryout at the secretive Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Amari is certain the answer to finding out what happened to him lies somewhere inside, if only she can get her head around the idea of mermaids, dwarves, yetis and magicians all being real things, something she has to instantly confront when she is given a weredragon as a roommate.

Amari must compete against some of the nation���s wealthiest kids���who���ve known about the supernatural world their whole lives and are able to easily answer questions like which two Great Beasts reside in the Atlantic Ocean and how old is Merlin? Just getting around the Bureau is a lesson alone for Amari with signs like ���Department of Hidden Places this way, or is it?��� If that all wasn���t enough, every Bureau trainee has a talent enhanced to supernatural levels to help them do their jobs ��� but Amari is given an illegal ability. As if she needed something else to make her stand out.

With an evil magician threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn���t pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.

Buy Now (US)Buy Now (UK)Goodreads

Please tell me what books you will be reading so I have more to add for next time! I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if I should keep making posts like this.

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

The post What Will I Be Reading? appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

The Role of Characters

Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They are the readers guide into the world being crafted. Without a solid guide, the world would seem confusing and uninteresting. In stories, there are many different roles that each character must play to give the reader the best experience possible.

Main Characters

The main characters act as a window into the world. They are introduced into the rules of the world alongside the reader. They tend to be oblivious and naive almost to a fault. The plot centres around them, meaning through their actions or hapless circumstances, they are forced into unfortunate and exciting situations. Therefore, they aren’t usually the reader’s favourite character. Spending the most time with the protagonist reveals their flaws and weakness.

These imperfections are used to progress the plot forward but can frustrate readers if not executed well. For example, a smart character can alienate the readers but if done well a smart character can be really engaging and fun to read. Although in a fantasy setting, the fun comes with discovering a new world with a character and sharing in the wonder and process of discovery. Of course, this does not apply to every book, such as novels where the main character follows their passion despite their disadvantage. This gives readers an endearing view of the main character while also allowing the reader to learn about the mechanics of the world with the character.

Much like in real life, other characters in books only show the sides of themselves that they want to show. This leaves readers only seeing the kind, enjoyable side of the side characters. With their imperfections and deriding side hidden away, they leave a good impression on readers. Side characters can be used to show the situation the main character might be in. They populate the world giving it life and personality and their interaction with the main characters cue the reader into the type of environment it is.

Knowledgeable and Respected Characters

They guide the main character and the reader through the systems of the world. Due to being more experienced in the world of the story, they protect, teach and help the main characters with different issues. They can also be used to warn the protagonist about impending danger, setting up future conflict, etc. The readers typically have a positive view of these characters.

Determined Characters

These serve to introduce motivations and rivalry for the protagonist to overcome. They provide an idealised goal for the main characters to reach and surpass. These characters usually have contrasting outlooks compared to the main character. They might also have a personal relationship in order to have readers more invested in the outcome. They provide a challenging obstacle on the protagonist’s journey.

Hated Characters

With derision in their voice and a terrible personality, these characters are here for the readers to hate. They are made to be disliked, usually the antagonist but can also be characters with an upcoming redemption arc. These characters, to no one’s surprises, are usually the reader’s least favourite. This opens a world of possibilities for the story as these characters can either be given a satisfying defeat or an inspiring vindication with time and perspective. They usually have opposing ideologies and philosophies to the main protagonist which might serve as the driving force for the plot. The main character’s defiance of their conflicting views shows determination and maturity to the reader.

These characters are seen as an indomitable force at the start, a seemingly unscalable mountain to stop the protagonists from progressing, both physically and emotionally. They can be used to bring together unlikely characters as a common hurdle to be overcome. Teamwork can be stimulated in response to overcoming the improbable. The resolution to these characters usually serves as a platform of the protagonist’s development that concludes in an enthralling moment to give readers a sense of closure.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if I should keep making posts like this. Let me know if you noticed any of these character roles are in the story you’re currently invested in! What role did they fit?

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. There are a lot of other roles the characters play so let me know if you want a part two. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

The post The Role of Characters appeared first on Wisdom Nuggets.

One-Year Anniversary!

Thank you for all the support!

With the approach of the one-year anniversary for the release of “The Unwanted”, there’s an opportunity for you! It is to show my appreciation to those who showed their support.

The three best submissions win one of the following:

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Book 1) and Young Sherlock Holmes Death Cloud (Book 1).The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes$10 Amazon VoucherHow to enter:

Make sure you’re subscribed to my mailing list and click the “Enter” button below and submit one of the following: 

A photo of your copy of “The Unwanted” book (Don’t be afraid to be creative!)A drawing/artwork related to “The Unwanted” book.

The winners will be announced on the 25th of February 2021. Best of luck to all participants!

Enter Now

“It’s Percy Jackson  meets  Sherlock Holmes “

In this grounded Fantasy Mystery novel, follow the adventures of Alexander Charon as he uses unknown skills to try and solve the murder and kidnapping of his friends before it’s too late. He must push past his limits, fears and self-doubt to overcome this obstacle. Will his intuition, determination and compassion be enough?

Buy Now

I hope you all decided to participate. Good luck to everyone and thank you for the support once again! If you have any questions feel free to ask it in the comments.

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoyed this. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter below. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.

Subscribe

A Reason To Smile

With the New Year, most people tend to look back at the last year and remember the negatives. We remember the goals we couldn’t accomplish, the pain and disappointment we felt. This time of the year where the skies turn grey, the air chills and the sun is rarely seen, seasonal depression tends to kick in. The peak of the year has gone and the next year seems daunting. Some of us begin to lose hope and motivation. We forget how to smile. We forget our reason for smiling.

At times like these, it is crucial to remember our reasons to smile. If we cannot find any, we have to to make some. There are no specific treatment plans to find what makes you smile. It is a process of trial and error. Whether it’s a TV show, sport or books, try as many things as you can. Find that thing that makes you forget how tired you are, how hungry you are. Find what makes you smile and keep with it.

This is not to say become obsessed with the pursuit of passion. Finding ones life’s purpose is not that easy. There will not be one thing that will bring you joy. It is a combination of all the little things in life that makes us smile. Our family, friends and finding a healthy outlet for our emotions. We strive satisfaction and fulfilment and without them, we tend to feel unhappy. Chasing instant gratification leads to fleeting happiness. It tends to cause moments of regret and dissatisfaction soon after. It is nothing more than temporary relief. Instead, we should seek activities that give us a feeling of prolonged achievement even if it means having to wait for it.

The first step is usually the hardest. When we try new things, we will not be very good at it. Yet, we compare ourselves to those with experience and lose motivation when we are unable to match their level. The frustration that comes with failure is a gut-wrenching feeling that most will go through great lengths to avoid. Some find excuses, others stop trying, but it is those who stick with it that will continue to experience moments of fulfilment that will hook them. We should strive to use these moments to make us stronger, to learn how to get up when we fall. Thus, the next time we get beaten to the ground, we can get up.

The new year is full of opportunities, plant many seeds for prolonged satisfaction and watch them grow. It will be worth the wait. Writing stories has become one of these seeds for me. I hope you find yours.

Comment your reason for smiling.

I hope you enjoyed this one. This was a bit of a different post. Let me know if you prefer these types of posts to my usual ones.

Be sure to vote, comment your thoughts and share the post so I know that you enjoy this type of content. I would also really appreciate it if you considered subscribing to the newsletter. It will keep you up-to-date with any of my posts and alert you of any giveaways, special offers and events.